What is Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten?
Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) was established in 1987 and serves families from the period of prenatal to five years old. This program provides free, high-quality early care and education to families who are living at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
OPK is modeled after Early Head Start and Head Start, federal programs that promote school readiness of young children by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. This program is available in all 36 counties across the state and delivered in a variety of settings including centers, homes, and schools.
Oregon Pre-k Eligibility and Enrollment
OPK is available to families with incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Children in foster care, children experiencing houselessness, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are eligible for OPK regardless of income. Table 1 includes income limits for 100 percent of FPL as of January 2023.
Enrollment for OPK is open and nondiscriminatory, and follows Oregon laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, national origin, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military status, or marital or family status.
Enrollment FAQ
Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start
Children in foster care are Head Start eligible, regardless of family income.
The Head Start Act of 2007 requires 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by each Head Start agency and each delegate agency to be children with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services.
OPK programs may enroll up to 20% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
OPK programs may enroll up to 20% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions described in the Head Start Act have been met.
Use the Head Start Locator to find all Head Start locations. To search specifically for OPK programs, use the Program Locator website or call 211 for more information.